Medical marijuana interest growing

It's been five years since 62 percent of Montana voters approved a ballot initiative allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Interest has really taken off since then — particularly this year.

Montana is one of 14 states with a medical marijuana law on the books. The idea is to allow people with certain debilitating medical conditions — including glaucoma, cancer, AIDS, chronic pain or muscle spasms — the right to use marijuana to treat their symptoms.

A qualifying patient can legally possess six plants and one ounce of 'smokeable" marijuana. A registered caregiver can possess six plants and one ounce for each patient, and six plants and one ounce for himself if he has a personal-use card.

The state law was given a boost Oct. 19 when the U.S. Justice Department announced a new position on medical marijuana.

"It will not be a priority to use federal resources to prosecute patients with serious illnesses or their caregivers who are complying with state laws on medical marijuana," U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder informed federal prosecutors. "But we will not tolerate drug traffickers who hide behind claims of compliance with state law to mask activities that are clearly illegal."

Interest in the Montana medical marijuana program had grown significantly before Holder's announcement. The number of card-holders quadrupled this year to about 4,500, while the number of caregivers increased to more than 1,400.

The Montana Caregivers Network holds clinics just about every week in towns across the state to inform the public about the state's marijuana law — and they're often sold out far in advance. Walk-ins at an Oct. 23 clinic in Great Falls were limited to people with a terminal disease. Among the physicians slated to be on hand to certify medical conditions was Dr. Patricia Cole, of Whitefish.

Many people interested in using marijuana to treat their conditions are afraid they'll be arrested. And even if the law protects them from prosecution, many are afraid of the public stigma.

One person not so easily intimidated is Whitefish resident Tommy Holliday. When his knee pain got bad enough, he decided to take up smoking pot rather than using over-the-counter pain medication prescribed by a doctor.

Holliday was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease, a knee condition caused by overuse in sporting activities for adults or growth spurts during childhood. His growing pain condition had worsened after years of playing basketball.

"I got my medical marijuana card for my knee pain," Holliday said. "I could have taken painkillers, but smoking pot for me is a healthier alternative."

Holliday received his GED when he was 17 and then attended Flathead Valley Community College and University of Montana. He currently works as a pizza cook at a downtown Whitefish restaurant. He said he learned about medical marijuana back in February from a high school friend, Karl McConnell.

"Most people don't realize the program has been offered for several years. It's super-easy to register and get the card," Holliday said. "I don't smoke unless I'm in pain, which is about two or three times a week."

As a caregiver, McConnell takes responsibility for growing plants and maintaining the expensive lighting equipment. The average cost for an eighth-ounce of medical marijuana is $40, compared to $50 on the street, Holliday said.

Holliday, however, also grows six plants on his own, including two types called Afghani and Strawberry Cough. Afghani gives more of a body-high when smoked, which helps more with tendon, bone, ligament or muscle pain, he said. Strawberry Cough causes more of a mental high, a choice for people with mental disorders.

"It always fascinated me how the law will determine morality, what is right or wrong," Holliday said. "Legalize marijuana and watch as social acceptance follows."

Marijuana, however, is not the only illegal drug Holliday has used. In May 2006, his mother contacted the Whitefish Police Department after finding cocaine in his bedroom. Holliday, who was 18 at the time, told a Northwest Drug Task Force member that he paid $500 for the cocaine but didn't know where it came from.

Holliday was sentenced to felony possession of dangerous drugs and given a three-year deferred sentence and a $1,000 fine. He faced up to five years in prison and a $50,000 fine. He said his felony probation will end Nov. 5.